Vegetables and fruits farmers in Rwanda’s Eastern Province say that the crop insurance they acquire from partnering companies does not fully address the challenges they face, especially plant diseases. They criticize the fact that when their crops are affected by diseases, the compensation they receive from the crops insurance does not match with the actual losses incurred. They are calling for a more comprehensive insurance model that covers all the way through to harvest.
The Ministry of Agriculture and Animal Resources (MINAGRI) has consistently encouraged farmers and livestock keepers to insure their crops and animals so they can be supported in case of disasters that cause financial loss.
Some farmers in Kayonza District who grow green beans (imiteja) acknowledge that getting insurance is a positive step, but they request improvements in the services offered. They report that while they were insured by SONARWA, some diseases that affected their green beans were not covered in the insurance agreements. As a result, they received compensation that did not match the value of what they had insured, leaving them at a loss.
One of the farmers stated: “We thought the insurance would cover all potential diseases and disasters. But the company told us their coverage does not extend to that. We ended up losing a lot because of the disease, and even the market rejected our products because the green beans had deteriorated.” He added: “We are asking for insurance to cover all types of disasters affecting crops because a farmer is already taking a risk by investing.”
Another farmer said: “They should identify key areas where support is needed so that farmers don’t bear the full brunt of the losses. If this is a government program meant to assist farmers, then let it truly support them through their losses.”
Anne Marie Turabumukiza, Head of Commercial Services at SONARWA, explained that the government regulations on insurance initially focused only on capital investment (inputs), but that the program is gradually being revised to include coverage for harvests as well.
She said: “The Government of Rwanda initially focused on basic needs, and other components will gradually be added. The way we started is not how things are now. While we currently insure inputs, coverage for yields will be added as the program evolves just as more crops and livestock are gradually being included under the insurance umbrella. There’s hope that other elements will follow.”
Eric Rwigamba, State Minister in the Ministry of Agriculture (MINAGRI), said the government’s goal is for at least 30% of farmers and livestock keepers to be enrolled in insurance programs within the next five years. He urged: “Dear Rwandans, if you own livestock or farmland, you cannot rely solely on weather conditions. Please take action! After doing the hard work of farming or raising animals, make sure to get insurance so that you can have peace of mind.”
Currently, the government covers 40% of the insurance premium, while the farmer or livestock keeper pays the remaining 60%. Farmers are now requesting that, for the program to be more effective and beneficial, it should also include broader services such as coverage for all plant diseases and protection for post-harvest yields.
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